Rector's Cupboard

You have likely heard, and perhaps said, that we live in a world that is very polarized. Too often, communities of faith have contributed to this polarization rather than offered help or healing to a divided world. David Goa has been, and continues to be, a formational voice for Rector's Cupboard and for the work of Reflector Project. David has been running Philosopher Cafés in his home province of Alberta, Canada around the topic of “The New Fundamentalisms and How They Divide Us.” He has drawn from the work of Gary Saul Morson and Morton Schapiro in describing how openness to the other person is a more hopeful and faithful way of living than being closed and fundamentalist. Saul Morson refers to a notion that he calls the “congregation of the blessed.” This is the idea that anyone and anything outside of a particular group becomes seen as suspect or even evil, “Where people belonging to one faction (or faith, or denomination) feel that they are not just in a particular party, but are part of the congregation of the blessed, fighting demonic forces.” David and I recently had three conversations about the new fundamentalisms and the possibility of finding a better way forward in faith, belief and worldview. Part one of this series considers how fundamentalism, rigidity and suspicion of others can be unfortunately understood as faithful when it is actually fearful. David Goa is a thoughtful and helpful guide through a consideration of how our faith and worldview might grow up past a kind of spiritually adolescent fundamentalism.

Those in Christian circles have likely spent many a Sunday morning sitting in a pew (or, perhaps, a more comfortable seat) listening to someone preach. While the length of sermon or its place in a service may vary from denomination to denomination, or pastor to pastor, the act of hearing the Word of God preached regularly is part of the Christian tradition. We were please to speak to Mark Glanville about this topic. Mark is a pro at sermons, quite literally. Having spent much of his career preaching sermons as well as teaching classes on the subject, he has decades of broad experience from which he draws. Mark is an author, podcaster, Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership, and jazz pianist. We spoke to Mark about his latest book, Preaching in a New Key: Crafting Expository Sermons in Post-Christian Communities, which came out this spring. This book is a guide of sorts for those new to sermon writing as well as those who are wanting to find a fresh and new approach to the task. Our conversation touched on the holistic nature of sermon writing as well as how it can be approached in the post-Christian world many communities of faith find themselves in. It is hopeful and beautiful and worth reading, even if you don't happen to be a pastor yourself. You can check out Mark's many projects on his website, which has links to his books, podcast, and social media. If you're in the Vancouver area, we highly encourage you to check out Mark's book launch for Preach in a New Key, coming up May 23, at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church. This unique event includes art, storytelling, and Mark's jazz trio.

Today is Good Friday. In Christian faith, today and Easter Sunday are two of the most important days of observation. We often, on Rector's Cupboard, refer to what is happening in the world, the news, politics, culture. In Christian faith, Good Friday is always more than news of the week. It is at the heart of the faith. With that in mind, we offer a Good Friday reflection. The reflection is intended as an invitation to spiritual contemplation. What does it mean that Jesus was alone on Good Friday? What does “Christ Alone” entail? Wherever you are at, in terms of faith and belief, may you know God's presence and blessing and hope this Easter weekend.

A special episode. Recorded live at the Rector's Cupboard studio. John Swinton is Professor of Practical Theology at the University of Aberdeen. Before becoming a mental health professional and then a writer (of at least four books) on faith and mental health, John wanted to be a rock star. He brought together his interests in recording an album called Beautiful Songs about Difficult Things. We speak with John in studio, hear him reflect on some of his work and the personal nature of some of the songs. John also performs some of the songs for the assembled gathering. Enjoy! A quick note, the “this book” that Todd references toward the beginning of the episode is John's 2016 book, Becoming Friend of Time: Disability, Timefullness, and Gentle Discipleship.

It might be that being a full-time pastor is now untenable. It is a job that pulls in so many directions that it becomes virtually impossible. One of the things that can help is accepting that for pastors, spiritual energy often comes from outside of the church in which they work. We speak with Matthew Brough, a Presbyterian pastor in Winnipeg, who is also an author and podcaster. Matthew has written books on spirituality (Let God series) as well as five fantasy/adventure books for kids (Del Ryder series). Oh, and he runs a small publishing business. Matthew speaks to us about the challenges and benefits of a multi-vocational life, giving us a picture of how pastoral life might function in the future. If you're interested in Matthew's work, check out his website. You can find links to his writing, podcast, and how to connect with him there. Enjoy!

We are pleased to speak to the Ven. Dr. Rob James (which he said we could shorten to Rob), about his latest publication, 50 New Testament Stories for Storytellers, a new illustrated, beautifully illustrated we might add, children's Bible. Rob is an Associate Professor and the Director of Anglican Studies and Formation at the Vancouver School of Theology. He also holds six degrees from five universities and has many years of experience as an Anglican perish priest. Rob speaks to us about his approach to telling biblical stories to kids (and adults) through the lens of storytelling, incorporating visuals and participation as he goes. There are important questions to be asked about how we speak to children about faith and how we tell kids the stories of the Bible. Often this telling has been experienced as reductionist or moralizing. Rob does neither of these things. He helps to bridge the gap between biblical scholarship and storytelling in this book and is a resource that we heartily recommend for those wanting to find hopeful, new, and interesting ways to bring the stories of the Bible to children. 50 New Testament Stories for Storytellers is available now. A quick recording note, you may notice that our interview with Rob has a distinct cathedral-like echo. Unfortunately, we did not record our conversation with Rob in a cathedral, although that would have been cool, but we hope it isn't a distraction as you listen. Enjoy!

In the 20th chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells His followers what power is like in the kingdom of God. He says that real greatness is servanthood and that we ought not aim to “lord it over” others. There is a movement in the United States, and in many countries around the world, that apparently utterly rejects Jesus' way of power. This movement, called Christian nationalism, is a parasite upon Christian faith that is proudly taking up a crusade against anything and anyone deemed as opposition or enemy. Though it uses the language of faith, it is not about faith. It is about the accumulation of power. Donald Trump is held up by Christian nationalists. Vladimir Putin argues that the invasion of Ukraine is an exercise of upholding Christian values against ungodly enemies. We are of the opinion that many well-meaning Christians have fallen into listening to voices of Christian nationalism. Christian nationalism is perhaps the biggest present threat to democracy. Christian nationalism is not Christian. It is a form of idolatry, a worship of power. We are not alone, at Rector's Cupboard, in feeling that if we want to speak a hopeful faith, a faith that reflects the love of God in Jesus for all the world, then we will speak against Christian nationalism. We are pleased to welcome back to Rector's Cupboard Katherine Stewart to speak about her new book, Money, Lies, and God. The book has just been released this week. We were privileged to read it before publication and spoke with Katherine early in January. Money, Lies, and God is a frightening book to read as it describes real threats to democracy. There is hope and humour in it as well as Katherine Stewart tells us about her interactions with Christians who hold a hopeful faith and as she narrates visits to many religious and political rallies. Katherine's previous book, The Power Worshippers was adapted into a documentary by Rob Reiner. It is called God and Country and is available through Apple TV and other platforms. Having interviewed Katherine about two of her books, we are pleased to welcome her for an in-person event in Vancouver on April 28. Details will be available on our website and the Rector's Cupboard social pages so keep an eye out for registration details coming soon.   Terms Referenced: There are a lot of terms, institutions, and people mentioned in our conversation with Katherine Stewart. You may want to avail yourself of some googling, but we have put together a short glossary to help with listening. Pluralism – The idea that people who are different in belief, life style, etc can coexist in a society peacefully. Sectarian – Usually divisive ideology based on political or religious difference. It is typically expressed in hard line stances and by an unwillingness to work with or tolerate differing opinions Kleptocracy – A form of government structure in which leaders use political power to amass wealth from the general population Theocracy – A form of government structure which is based on or run by a particular religious system/belief Charter Schools/Voucher System – In our conversation with Stewart these are used within an American framework. Charter Schools are alternate schools requiring no tuition that are run, to some degree, under a local school board, but tend to offer different types of programming or structure than a typical public school. The Voucher System allows for funds allocated to public education to be used for alternate educational systems, such as homeschooling, or tuition for private schools (which may be religious or not) The Great Awakening – A series of religious revivals that took place between the early 18th century and 1960's. These movements have typically been defined by a focus on making religion personal. Historical Jesus – A picture of Jesus that is based on an academic study, considering historical and cultural context, of the person of Jesus rather than a religious interpretation.   Resources Referenced: The Good News Club, Katherine Stewart, 2012 The Power Worshippers, Katherine Stewart, 2020 God & Country (documentary), 2024 The Givenness of Things, Marilynne Robinson, 2015

Jonathan Rauch is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution. His most recent book, out this week, is called Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy. We speak with Jonathan about the book, about why he, as a non-Christian, self-identifying atheist, makes the claim that democracy in the United States is at risk if Christian faith is not sufficiently Christian. Host Todd Wiebe is joined by friend of the show Spencer Capier for the interview. Spencer is a philosophy teacher and is currently the President of the West Vancouver Teachers Association. He is familiar with much of Rauch's work and writing. A brief glossary of terms: Liberal - As in “Liberal Political Party” distinct from as in “Liberal Democracy”. The term “liberal democracy” refers to a form of governance defined by separation of powers. Here the word “liberal” might be considered in light of the aspect of freedom. Power is spread out. Checks and balances are in place and freedom/agency is emphasized alongside individual rights. “Liberal” as a description of a political party or on the spectrum of “liberal vs. conservative” has a somewhat different meaning. Here it describes a political expression that can be based out of ideas of liberal democracy but can also come to be defined by being progressive or anti-conservative. When “liberal” becomes an ideology, an “ism” it can become as totalizing as any other ideology. Here is an excerpt from the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities: “Liberalism is a version of progressivism: it perceives society as in the process of constant improvement (usually measured by the criterion of equality) and claims to possess the conceptual instruments that make such a change possible. Liberalism believes itself to be both the doer and the supervisor of progress.”  

Our annual hosts only Christmas special. Cupboard Master Ken Bell presents his take on a B5-2, using Nocciola, a hazelnut liqueur from one of our favourite local distilleries, The Woods Spirit Co. We ask one another three questions about Christmas: 1. What do you miss about Christmases past? 2. What are you glad that is gone? 3. What is needed to properly celebrate Christmas? Our hope is to take the pressure off. The world was not ready for the first Christmas. God is good beyond your readiness or preparation. Merry Christmas to you and yours.  

We speak with theologian and philosopher Thomas Jay Oord about his church trial and his book Open and Relational Theology. Thomas, who was a minister for many years in the Church of the Nazarene, faced a trial for being inclusive on matters of LGBTQ+ and church participation and blessing. Thomas outlines a theological view that is about love more than it is about traditional concepts of power. This means that he calls for better understanding of what it means that God is all powerful or all knowing. The story of Thomas' trial and excommunication can sound almost medieval, but it reminds us that the struggle over proper belief is very much alive today. Individuals and churches are being excommunicated or disaffiliated. Some people are choosing themselves to part company with a church or denomination based on rigid belief or what they see as damaging theology. Thomas is a regular contributor to podcasts such as Tripp Fuller's Homebrewed Christianity and continues to write and to direct the Center for Open and Relational Theology.   Articles and Episodes Referenced: “Six Heretics Who Should Be Banned From Evangelicalism” – Relevant Magazine, September 13, 2022  “Church Fights: King vs. Liquorish” – Rector's Cupboard, Season 3    Tasting Notes: On today's episode we sampled the Iron Buddha Gin and the Black Tusk Smoked Vodka from Squamish's Raincity Distillery. 

We speak with friend of the show Ross Lockhart about his recent book (and PhD work) called West Coast Mission: The Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver. The book takes an in-depth look at 12 churches and two faith-based organizations in the Vancouver area. It takes up themes that are familiar to almost everyone who has been part of a church in the last couple of decades. We talk about differences in approach to the “outside world” and how things have changed in regards to how churches relate to society as a whole. There is both consolation and challenge in our conversation. What might real theological change look like as compared with change of style or strategy? Ross is the Dean of St. Andrew's Hall, the Presbyterian Church in Canada college at the University of British Columbia. Ross is also the Professor of Mission Studies at Vancouver School of Theology, where he teaches courses in practical theology. Ross holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam and is the author of Lessons from Laodicea: Missional Leadership in a Culture of Affluence; Beyond Snakes and Shamrocks: St. Patrick's Missional Leadership Lessons for Today; co-author of Better Than Brunch: Missional Churches in Cascadia as well as Christianity: An Asian Religion in Vancouver and editor of Christian Witness in Cascadian Soil. Ross' latest project is West Coast Mission: the Changing Nature of Christianity in Vancouver published this fall by McGill-Queen's University Press. Ross lives with his family on Bowen Island, B.C. Ross's newest book is available now.

Mental health and matters of spiritual and mental wellness are often topics we address on Rector's Cupboard and so we were very grateful to speak to Elise Girardin, Executive Director of The Woods Arts & Wellness, a North Vancouver based therapy practice addressing the well being of mind-body-spirit through engagement with nature and the arts. Elise practices what she calls embodied therapy, helping people find healing and flourishing through connection and creativity. This kind of therapy is beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, those who feel disconnected, those who do not feel like they are flourishing. We highly recommend checking out The Woods and their programs. They offer a variety of therapies, some available virtually, and have sliding-scale pricing for accessibility. If you'd like some extra credit, Elise recommends the following books on embodied therapy practices and research: The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk Your Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Shaila Visser is the National Director of Alpha Canada and the Global Senior Vice-President for Alpha International. She is the Executive Producer of both The Alpha Youth Film Series (2013) and The Alpha Film Series (2016), and currently holds a position on the Board of the Damascus Road Foundation. We speak with Shaila about how and why Alpha works and has for so many years. What does it mean to talk about faith, but not prescribe a particular outcome? We also speak about what faith might look like for those who have pushed away from their previous church experience. For information on Alpha, including finding a course, running a course, or helping support Alpha, you can check out their website.

Dr. Aurelian Crăiuțu is Professor in the Department of Political Science at Indiana University, Bloomington, and Adjunct Professor in the Lilly Family School of Philanthropic Studies at IUPUI, Indianapolis. He is also affiliated with the Russian and East European Institute, the Institute for West European Studies, and the Ostrom Workshop. Crăiuțu has written extensively about the concept of political moderation and has argued that moderation is the strongest, most intellectually honest, and most radical political position in times of polarization. Rector's Cupboard co-host, Todd Wiebe, wrote an article for Church For Vancouver, in April 2024 reflecting on Crăiuțu's latest work, Why Not Moderation?, in relation to Evangelical culture. Asking questions such as; What are the shadow sides of the calls for “radical commitment” in Evangelical faith? How might religious moderation by the strongest type of commitment? After publication of that piece, Aurelian Crăiuțu reached out to Todd and asked for a conversation on religious moderation and how it might relate to political moderation. This episode is that conversation. You may have grown up in a religious culture that demanded or rewarded a kind of fully-sold-out faith. While the appeals of this kind of neither-hot-nor-cold understanding of faith are evident, the dangers and weaknesses are often overlooked. If sold out faith means never questioning belief or leadership, than it is weak, not strong. If sold out faith means seeing people who don't believe what you believe as obviously misguided or even evil, than it is weak, not strong. Political moderation moves us towards genuine consideration of the other. Christian faith, at its hopeful best, does the same. The concept of the Incarnation is the heart of God moving towards humanity. Faith that is truly strong (moderate) recognizes this call. If you'd like to read more about moderation, you can find links to Todd original article and Dr. Crăiuțu's book above. If you're really keen about even more writing about moderation, you can also check out Todd's other article about it, written earlier this year, in Evangelically Departed. We hope you enjoy the conversation!

As we close season 5 of Rector's Cupboard and begin summer, Rector's Cupboard hosts, Todd, Amanda, and Allison have gathered to talk about what is on our summer reading/watching/listening lists this year that we think you might find interesting. We hope that you are able to find time for beauty and rest and entertainment this summer and we will be back in the fall with season 6! Rector's Cupboard Recommendations: Music: Outlaw Festival – taking place at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, Washington, featuring Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp Shows: The Bear, season 3 – Disney Plus Outlaws – Prime Blue Lights – Brit Box Plant Earth 3 – Prime Taskmaster - Brit Box Books: Take What You Need – Idra Novey Reading Gensis – Marilynne Robinson A Commentary on Jeremiah – Walter Brueggemann Incarnational Humanism Jens – Zimmerman The Five Invitations – Frank Ostaseski I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together – Maurice Vellekoop Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands – Kate Beaton Gilead – Marilynne Robinson Small Things Like These - Claire Keegan

Benjamin Perrin is a professor at the University of British Columbia, Peter A. Allard School of Law and a senior fellow in criminal justice at the Macdonald Laurier Institute of Public Policy and the author of several books including Indictment: the Criminal Justice System on Trial and Overdose: Heartbreak and Hope in Canada's Opioid Crisis. We speak with Ben Perrin about a couple of his books. Ben does a fantastic job of describing challenges of criminal justice and the opioid crisis in Canada. He places himself within the frame of someone who used to believe one way, but changed his view – in his own description, because of his faith. Ben's research on the topics is extensive and his books offer a look into the many challenges and considerations. They also offer an example of the positive call of being open to change. It was a privilege to speak with Ben. We think that you will find his insight and example inspiring. We are grateful as well to open this episode with a conversation with a member of the Reflector Project Board, the non-profit of which Rector's Cupboard is a part. Tierney has professional experience working with people who have faced the trauma and stigma that Benjamin Perrin writes and speaks about.

We were pleased to speak again to Dr. Marty Folsom about his latest work, Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics For Everyone, Vol 2 – The Doctrine of God: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Pros. Marty Folsom has taken up an expansive work of outlining the main points and the structure of Karl Barth's multi-volumed Church Dogmatics. Those two words, “church” and “dogmatics,” both carry negative perceptions for many people. What you will find in Church Dogmatics, however, is helpful and hopeful, positive and thoughtful, and even healing. Karl Barth presents a way of seeing faith and life that is bright, a way that calls us to solidarity rather than separation, all because God has chosen not to be God without us. You might find it hard to believe what you used to believe, or hard to believe in the way that you used to believe. Marty Folsom shows us, through presenting the work of Karl Barth, that there is a better, more faithful way of believing. Volume 2 of Folsom's Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone has just been released. This book looks at Church Dogmatics 2 and outlines concepts such as the sovereignty of God in choosing to love humanity, and the hopeful doctrine of election, God's love for ALL. We are grateful for the conversation about the new book. If you'd like to listen to our interview with Marty about Volume 1 of his Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone series, you can find that episode here.  

This week on Rector's Cupboard, we gather the Cupboard hosts, Todd, Allison, and Amanda, as well as Cupboard Master, Ken, to discuss what we're watching and reading right now, as well as few articles that speak about the apocalypse, hope, fear, and changing understandings of faith. Ken mixed us a delicious cocktail called a Bourbon Pecan Pie Cocktail, which contained vodka, whiskey/bourbon, and Pecan Liqueur, featuring Revel Stoke Roasted Pecan Flavored Whiskey. If you'd like to read the articles we discuss in this episode, here they are: “They broke up for their faith. Asking questions brought them back together” – CBC, April 1, 2024 “Climate Doom Is Out. ‘Apocalyptic Optimism' Is In.” – New York Times, April 21, 2024 We hope you enjoy the conversation!

This week on Rector's Cupboard we are pleased to offer a collaboration with our good friend, David Goa. David has been on the podcast a number of times through the years and in 2022 we partnered with David to record a series of conversations about the Church, the “ecclesia,” asking “who is she?” entitled The Church In-Between Times. David's love for the Church and his insight into the blessings and challenges faced historically and today are evident. David has continued these conversations with pastors, theologians, and other people interested in the Christian Church. He recently invited Todd to speak about the Church with him and we are pleased to bring this conversation to Rector's Cupboard.

We speak with United Church Minister Deb Walker about her attendance at the Cop28 Climate Conference in Dubai. 85,0000 people attended the event, which was held in a country often referred to as a Petrol State. Deb's attendance was officially as a Faith Observer as a part of the Christian Climate Observers Program. Deb is informed on the issues around climate change and outlines the hope she felt at the conference in the midst of some of the most important challenges of our time. Deb mentions many organizations and programs related to ecology, environmentalism, and activism during our conversation. If you're interested in looking into some of these yourself, here are the resources Deb spoke to us about: The Mother Tree Faith Pavilion YouTube Channel Climate Intercessors A Rocha Canada   New York Times article referenced in this episode: Bravo! Hurray! Wahoo! (Meh.) – New York Times, April 11, 2024 

Do you have a testimony? If you are familiar with the culture of evangelical church, you will know what is being asked. Maybe you heard someone give their testimony at church, or at camp. In this context, testimony meant a personal account of your life or background with an emphasis on your conversion to evangelical faith. It was communicated, largely, with the intent and hope that those listening, who had not experienced such a conversion, may, themselves, make a declaration of faith. Spiritual memoir is different than testimony. Richard Lischer's book, Our Hearts are Restless, introduces us to the spiritual memoir of some interesting people. In describing spiritual memoir, Lischer says, “some lives are construed as if lived in the presence of God.” We found the book wonderful and thoughtful. Lischer skillfully and compassionately (for subject and reader) opens the accounts of the people to whom he introduces us in a way that helps to ask meaningful questions about life and faith. Enjoy the episode and if you are so inclined, read the book – it really is good.

Dr. J. Warren Smith is Professor of Historical Theology at Duke Divinity School. Professor Smith is a great guide in helping us to see hope for the future in listening to voices of hope from the past. We talk with him about how some sayings, perspectives, and experiences of those who lived many centuries ago can be resonant in the midst of the challenges of our time. Besides being compelling and interesting, and at times upsetting, encountering theology in history can be a lot of fun. Enjoy.

At least once a season, we speak with David Goa, a spiritual friend and mentor. David is a writer, professor, and theologian and has been a great help to us as we hope to articulate a hopeful vision of faith and theology. When we speak with David, we tend to ask about life and faith in relation to the current cultural and religious landscape. Given what is happening in the world right now, in this episode David talks about the ongoing crisis in Israel/Gaza and about the nature of righteousness, rightness, and evil. David's words to us are insightful, considerate of the challenges of our time, and even consoling. Blessings as you listen.

We are pleased to speak with J Alkana about his work in architecture and design. J thoughtfully asks questions of meaning, humanity and faith in relation to the work that he does. What is vocation? What gives your work meaning? Various understandings of work in relation to faith historically have often divided work into realms of the sacred and the secular. J speaks with us about inspiration and spiritual hope around his work and offers insight into what can compel and positively motivate us to make a difference in the world. Our hope for this episode is that you will feel inspired in whatever you do for work and vocation. Perhaps you are drawn by questions of how your faith animates your work. For some, work and faith come together in even more direct ways. Wherever you are at, we hope that you feel inspired by hearing J. References in this episode: The Many Lives of Martha Stewart – CNN, 2024 Don't Feel Bad About Your Laundry Chair – The Washington Post, January 29, 2024  Growing Up Evangelical: Moms and Daughters – Rector's Cupboard Season 1, April 25, 2020 

The image of a new leaf implies new season, new hope. Elle Pyke, Director of Programs and Innovation at New Leaf Network, helps to navigate people and organizations through some of the significant changes in what it means to be a church with a particular Canadian focus. You may feel a sense of longing for a time of apparent certainty in what church looked like. Conversely, you may be glad that things as they were have come apart. Rector's Cupboard host, Allison Williams and guest Elle Pyke speak about reasons for hope in a time of change. For more information about New Leaf, the work they do and upcoming events, check out their website.    Books referenced: The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker Leaving Christianity: Changing Allegiances in Canada by Brian Clarke and Stuart Macdonald

There are some truly terrifying Christmas/winter characters out there. Many may have heard of Krampus, a German partner of St. Nick who punishes poorly behaved children, but what about Peruchty, a winter witch who likes to disembowel naughty children? Santa, also, may fall into these terrifying categories, although in less severe ways. Lumps of coal in stocking, running naughty and nice list, even Jolly St. Nick has taken on the role of scaring children into behaving well with threats. This year, we gathered to talk about some of these characters and the way in which they have been shaped by and, in turn shape, imaginations in Christian understanding. It's not all scary, though, we also talk about a Christmas tradition from Catalonia where a log poops out Christmas treats, so there's something for everyone! We had a special guest for this recording, Amanda's puppy, Luna, who greatly enjoyed chewing on our chairs throughout the episode, providing much joy and additional noise while we chatted. We hope you enjoy this conversation and that you have a blessed Christmastime. Materials referenced: Church Fights: King vs. Liquorish, Season 3 "Shock of the Old" - The Guardian, December 5, 2023 Tio de Nadal article  Raising Children UnFundamentalist Tis the Grinch Holiday Talk Show Tasting Notes: On this episode, we enjoyed blueberry tea, a lovely warm cocktail, prepared by Cupboard Master, Ken Bell. Here's a recipe if you'd like to mix one for yourself. We used some local spirits in our version with Amaretto from Sons of Vancouver Distillery and Triple Sec from Copperpenny Distilling Co. You can find pictures of the Bible inscription, fill-in afterlife destination card, and the scary Santa from Allison's house on our website.

In recent years, there has been a growing number of people who have moved from one Christian faith tradition to another. Some of the lines within Christian expression have been fairly rigid. This rigidity has even led, in some instances, to the assumption that “those other churches” are not even Christian. One of the main lines of distinction has been between mainline churches and evangelical churches and now, more than in years past, people have begun moving across this line in one direction or the other. Perhaps you grew up in the Christian Missionary Alliance Church and now attend a United Church. Or maybe you were Presbyterian for most of your life and now you are part of a Baptist congregation. We speak with Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart, Dean of St. Andrew's Hall in Vancouver, about the history of how some of these divisions came to be and how they exist today. We aim towards a more accepting and grateful view of the other (whatever “the other” means in your background) as enlivening and helpful to Christian faith in general. Terminology: Ecumenical – Representing a number of different churches and denominations Missiology – The theological study of the mission of the church, particularly the character and purpose of missionary work Ecclesiology – The study of the church Books Referenced: Ross's Books: Christianity: An Asian Religion in Vancouver (2023) Christian Witness in Cascadian Soil: Coworkers with God in the Land of Hiking, Hipsters, and Hand-Crafted Lattes Better Than Brunch: Missional Churches in Cascadia (2020) Beyond Snakes and Shamrocks: St. Patrick's Mission Leadership Lessons for Today (2018) Lessons from Laodicea: Missional Leadership in a Culture of Affluence (2016) Phyllis Airhart – A Church with the Soul of a Nation

Have you been feeling like things are a little precarious at the moment? If so, you are certainly not alone. For our first Host Only episode of season five, we gather to discuss some of the precarious nature of our current days. The conversation is not entirely serious, the facial expressions of cats and destructive nature of a local bear come up as well. Whatever you're feeling at this point, we hope this conversation provides some levity and encouragement as we all walk through some rather precarious times. Blessings from all of us at Rector's Cupboard. Articles referenced in today's episode: “The End of Retirement” by Cathrin Bradbury, from the December 2023 edition of The Walrus  “Think cats are aloof? They make nearly 300 facial expressions, study says” by Kevin Melnick, The Washington Post, November 7, 2023 “

John Lennox is a mathematician and bioethicist at Oxford University, where he is a Professor of Mathematics. He has spoken internationally and written many books on the intersection of science and philosophy and religion. His latest book, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity, came out in 2020. While most of us here at Rector's Cupboard have had fraught relationship with what has been called “apologetics,” we are pleased to welcome Professor Lennox as a guest. The discussion took place on a visit to Oxford. We speak about artificial intelligence, about John Lennox's public engagement (discussions, debates) with various neo-atheists, including Richard Dawkins, and we address the larger question of the role of apologetics in faith and belief. You can find more information about John Lennox's publications, debates, and other resources he has made on his website.    Books referenced in this episode: Bittersweet - Susan Cain

Around this time last year, we had the distinct pleasure of speaking to musician, author, theologian, and all around wonderful person, Julian Davis Reid. Next week, October 13 and 14 in Vancouver, BC, we are having an in-person conference around the theme of vocation and rest and Julian is our keynote speaker. In honour of that we thought we'd replay this episode from last season. If you're in the Vancouver area and would like to attend, there is still time to register. You can check out the Rector's Cupboard social pages or click here.  Original episode notes: In so many ways, we often feel ground down, in the words of this episode's guest, “disintegrated.” Julian Davis Reid speaks to us about rest. This is more and better than simply disengagement or a break from the grind; rest is an essential part of what it means to be human, in the image of God. Julian starts from a recognition of the profound restlessness that marks much of our lives and moves us towards the promise of the final and complete resting in God. Along the way, we talk about what theology and aesthetics, music and culture have to do with rest. We hold on to the promise that we might know rest, rest for our soul. Julian's website has links to all his music, both his solo work and  work with the JuJu Exchange, his retreat work, as well as his newsletter where you can get more of his thoughts on rest. Articles referenced in this episode: Do You Really Want a New Kitchen Counter - The Atlantic, November 18, 2022  A Parent's Typical Day, As Envisioned By My Child's Preschool - McSweeney's, November 10, 2022 

In the United States and elsewhere, including Canada, large numbers of people are leaving church. A recent book, The Great Dechurching, points out that the movement is the largest religious cultural shift in American history. Many writers, professors, and observers have often used the word “decline” to talk about such a phenomenon. The truth is more nuanced. The church is not in decline in much of the world and where it is declining in numbers, North America, etc. there is perhaps much more to the story. What if the decline of the church is a good thing for faith and the church? We talk to Dr. Andrew Root about his recent book, Churches and the Crisis of Decline, and how recent and ongoing decline in church attendance might point to something positive. As Root says, the church is more properly the narrator not the star. He argues for a better view of faith in which faith is lived in the world, rather than in opposition to the world. Root mentions that, so often, God is caged into religion and that the changes in the church, that so many see as threatening, are an opportunity to embrace a healthier view of faith. We found, in reading Andrew's books and in speaking with him, an enlivening way of seeing and living faith that many people who have pushed away from church will likely experience as hopeful and engaging. One term to mention; a good portion of Andrew Root's writing touches on the work of Charles Taylor and his book, A Secular Age. That book asks one question, Why was it virtually impossible to not believe in God 500 years ago and yet in contemporary western culture it has turned the other way around, to where it is much more difficult for people to believe in God? One of the central terms in Taylor's book is “The Immanent Frame.” The idea here is that the frame of a person's worldview, the way they saw the world and their place in it, used to be defined by a sense of the transcendent, by a belief in God. Now, even for most people who count themselves as religious, the frame has become immanent, that is, bounded mostly by the scientifically observable and material. For more of Andrew Root's work you can check out his website and his work with Homebrewed Christianity.   Books and Articles Referenced: The Weariness of the Self  - Alain Ehrenberg Bittersweet - Susan Cain “The Largest and Fastest Religious Shift in America Is Well Underway” - New York Times, June 21, 2023

Rector's Cupboard is pleased to welcome Brian Zahnd. Brian is the founder and lead pastor of Word of Life Church in Saint Joseph, Missouri. Brian has been somewhat of a trailblazer in contemporary expressions of hopeful theology. His books, including Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God and Beauty Will Save the World, outline a thoughtful, positive, and beautiful understanding of Christian faith and belief. Brian's work has informed the work of Rector's Cupboard and Reflector Project. As our reach has grown, we have consistently encountered people who have been helped by Brian's writing. We were pleased, in this episode, to include a couple of friends we've met through our work who have also followed Brian's work. Neil and Peter start the conversation with Brian by opening up some of their key questions. Brian is one of those writers and speakers that people who hold rigid and fearful understandings of faith sometimes warn you about. One of the problems for such accusations is that Brian knows his stuff. He opens a consideration of the history of Christian faith and theology and of Biblical interpretation in a way that shows us how, often, the fearful or divisive ways we have understood theology and the Bible are the distortions, not the life-giving truth. Brian does this in a way that is direct, but not accusatory, thoughtful, but understandable and relatable. Enjoy the episode. Tasting Notes: Our tasting for this episode comes all the way from Lviv, Ukraine. Piana Vyshnia, or Drunk Cherry in English, is a not too sweet cherry liqueur that we would highly recommend, if you can find it. 

In some religious circles, dialogue or collaboration with people of other faiths is seen as dangerous. In some evangelical contexts, such interfaith consideration may even have been labelled as faithless. Hopeful Christian theology sees interfaith dialogue as faithful, not faithless. True interfaith dialogue is neither dangerous nor insipid. Rather, in building connections with people of other faiths we can grow in our own faith and have positive impact in the world. In this episode, we speak with a Minister, an Imam and a Rabbi. Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Laura Duhan-Kaplan, and Imam Jamal Rahman are called The Interfaith Amigos and their work has been featured in Ted Talks and presentations around the world. We had the joy of speaking with Rabbi Laura previously in March of 2021. You can find that conversation here.  For more information on The Interfaith Amigos, check out Imam Jamal's website.  Books and Resources references in this episode: Finding Peace Through Spiritual Practice by The Interfaith Amigos, 2016 Charter for Compassion

Ram Dass once famously said, “If you think you are enlightened, go spend a week with your family.” We came across this quote when David Hayward, known as NakedPastor, quoted it after seeing his own family. Arthur Boers, our guest on this episode of Rector's Cupboard, delves deeper into the truth of family of origin than even a week together can afford. Boers' faith matters a great deal to him. In fact, it has come to define much of his career as he has been a pastor, a professor, and a writer. In Shattered: A Son Picks up the Pieces of His Father's Rage, Boers tells his story of growing up in the Christian Reformed Church in Ontario, Canada. He speaks of the violence present in the culture at the time, even within families like his own. He speaks of what it can look like to grow in faith, in an awareness of the transcendent and of the grace of God, even as the places where he first encountered such faith can also convey fear and violence. We are pleased to speak with Arthur because his book is really good. More than that, we are pleased to speak with Arthur because his story can help us in consideration of our stories. You have likely struggled with some painful things from your own family of origin. We hope that, though some parts may be difficult to hear, Arthur's story may be part of you growing in strength and hope. Arthur will be in the Vancouver area July 13 and 14 to speak about his book and memoir writing. Click here for details on these and other events of his across Canada.

The second part of our interview with Julia and Jeremiah, sex therapists and hosts of the podcast Sexvangelicals. If you haven't listened to part one, we encourage you to go back and listen to that before this episode. In this episode, we spoke with Julia and Jeremiah about how we got to the place where conversations around sexuality are framed around morality and behaviours and some ways of dealing with the grief of what has been lost or damaged. We also got a list of resources for those wanting to learn more or look into counselling. We are grateful to Ken Best, our occasional co-host, who joined us for this interview. It was an enjoyable, honest and open conversation. Given that the topic is sex you will likely hear things that upset or offend you, no matter where you are on the spectrum of religious/non-religious. After all, sex therapy is unafraid to delve into some topics and questions that are often left unaddressed.   Resources Books Peggy Kleinplatz – Magnificent Sex Doug Brown Harvey – Treating Out of Control Sexual Behavior Beverley Dale - Advancing Sexual Health for the Christian Client Nadia Bolz-Weber – Shameless Linda Kay Klein – Pure Dr. Wednesday Martin   Therapy Resources The Incarnation Institute for Sex and Faith - Online Resources  AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) - An online database for finding certified therapists in your area, both in the United States and Canada

In a previous episode of Rector's Cupboard we were pleased to interview Linda Kay Klein, author of the book Pure on purity culture within the evangelical church. Through Linda, our guests for this episode found Rector's Cupboard and connected with us. Julia and Jeremiah are sex therapists who work often with people who were raised in high control religious environments. They are also the hosts of the podcast Sexvangelicals.  We are grateful to welcome occasional co-host Ken Best for this episode and the next as the conversation went so well that we split it into two episodes.  We talk about common assumptions around sexuality in church culture. We consider what the term “value-based” means. We unpack some of the potential damage from various fundamentalist (both religious and otherwise) frameworks of sexual health.  It was an enjoyable, honest and open conversation. Given that the topic is sex you will likely hear things that upset or offend you, no matter where you are on the spectrum of religious/non-religious. After all, sex therapy is unafraid to delve into some topics and questions that are often left unaddressed. The article discussed in the banter on today's episode is "The Hounding of Kate Forbes Shows Godless Squad Have Won," February 23, 2023  

Rector's Cupboard is part of a larger non-profit that exists to articulate Hopeful Theology. A theologian whose work informs our perspective is Karl Barth.  This episode delves into the theology of Barth by way of the work of Dr. Marty Folsom. Barth's writing is extensive, with his major work, “Church Dogmatics” consisting of over 9,000 pages over multiple volumes.   Many Christians have pushed away from rigid and divisive understandings of faith. Some of those who have “deconstructed” their faith hang onto a desire for a meaningful more hopeful Christian faith. Barth's theology, while outlined decades ago, provides such a frame. Barth was known as “the cheerful theologian” and his theology gives what we think is a much healthier view of the Bible, salvation, belief and non-belief than we have often encountered in evangelicalism.  As Barth's writing is extensive, it helps to have informed guides. Marty Folsom fits the bill. We talk about his book, “Karl Barth's Church Dogmatics for Everyone: volume 1”. Dr. Folsom does not imply any advanced knowledge of Barth and guides us through even the basic structure of the dogmatics and some of the most important terms.   Everyone has a theology, a way of understanding the bigger things of life and the world. Barth offers a hopeful Christian theology that can contribute much to the necessary theological renewal of the church.   The episode opens with Rector's Cupboard hosts speaking about why Barth's theology might matter today. 

If you have been raised in a religious context, you may assume that the way your church, your denomination, conceived of faith was and is the very definition of faith. Obviously, there is a lot that impacts what we believe and how we practice and express that belief. Dr. Mathew Guest helpfully describes how a particular way of seeing the world (neo-liberalism that defines much of politics and economics in our world) has come to impact religion in general and Christian faith in the west in particular. As many people who grew up in the church look towards a more hopeful understanding of faith, the disentangling of worldview and religion can prove to be a key part of moving forward. Perhaps what you were told you had to believe to even be considered a Christian had more to do with power and culture than it had to do with faith. Our conversation with Dr. Guest focused on his book Neoliberal Religion: Faith and Power in the Twenty-First Century. You can also read his recent article “The New Spirit of Capitalism: How neoliberalism has changed the way we do religion,” published November 2022. This episode has a lot of terms, some coined by Dr. Guest, so we thought it would be helpful to add some definitions. Episode Terminology: Neoliberalism: Neo-Liberalism can be seen as a perspective on politics and economics that assumes some key things. Firstly, there is a heightened individualism, the sense that value and virtue are conceived as aligning with the individual and individual rights and identity. Secondly, there is marketization, the way of seeing that ascribes value to that which is successful or popular in the marketplace of ideas, views and goods. Finally, there is a commodification of society and life. People, agencies and ideas are seen to have value in how they can be evaluated as a commodity. Neo-Liberalism as a political concept has led to fulsome ideas of freedom, autonomy and identity. At its best, it can reveal coercion and groupthink. However, there are also neutral and negative ways in which neo-liberalism impacts everything from social life to work life to spirituality and religion. Marketization: The idea that religion functions best as a market. So, the religions or churches that attract the most people, are the best. Churches and religions come to be seen as competing for a market. (Mathew thinks it's more complicated than that) Marketization also impacts notions of spiritual and moral success for groups and for individuals. Populism: This is a form of political identity that rests on an idea of “the people.” Populism eventually bypasses elections, and claims to voice what the real people want. Characterized by a kind of rhetoric, typically from one leader who claims a special connection to the people, even though they may be part of the elite. Populism often assumes there is a corrupt elite getting in the way of the people getting what they want. We can see how, in our current social and political culture, populism becomes aligned with and uses religion. Post-Truth Thinking: The idea that the powers that be are hiding things. You get conspiracy theories, the X Files, etc. It has escalated recently through the activities of public figures who have disregarded what may previously been thought to be unassailable traditions or truths. This can include the thought that key to Christian practice is a rejection of the world. In some expressions of church, there has been a very present critique of “the world” in saying that the world is not interested in truth. It is curious how this tendency has often existed alongside a willingness for fantastical belief or the propagation of conspiracy theories. Securitization: An assumption, at a policy level, that conceives of some religions as more suspicious than others. People and groups who can be characterized as “the other” are identified as forces from which we need security. This leads to a stigmatization of people who look different, or believe differently as dangerous. Thus, intense Christian faith, for example, can be seen as virtuous while intense Islamic faith is portrayed as threatening. Cosmeticization: The ways in which particular kinds of Christianity foreground the drive for polished perfectionism as a way of measuring success. Things viewed as successful in these religious circles resemble advertising or celebrities. The celebration of the cosmetic overcomes traditional depth or thought or interior life.

Rich or poor or somewhere in-between, our sense of security and identity can often have to do with money. Who we are, how we relate to others, and how we feel about our well-being is impacted, for good or ill, by whether we feel we have enough money.   Mark Petersen has lived much of his life in the world of money and philanthropy. He has also taken up multiple spiritual pilgrimages as a way of asking the big questions of identity and meaning.   We are pleased to speak with Mark about his experience with his family foundation, his journey on the Camino (you can find his blog about his Camino pilgrimages here) , and his thoughts about charity and fundraising.  Mark has written a book relating the world of philanthropy to the journey on the trail. It is called Love Giving Well and it offers insight into what compels people to give and how decisions about giving are often made. 

We are pleased to be joined by Tim Dickau of CityGate and The Centre for Missional Leadership. He is also the author of Forming Christian Community in a Secular Age. Tim speaks with us about his vision for how faith and church should be blessing in the world. Tim was pastor of Grandview Calvary in Vancouver for many years and has helped facilitate numerous community projects addressing needs around housing and other areas of need. Tim offers thoughtful considerations of hopeful ways forward for faith and church.

How do you remember Christmas? What traditions are essential to make it really feel like Christmas? So much of how we experience Christmas is based in nostalgia, an understanding and, often, idealization of the past. The Cupboard hosts gathered to enjoy a Christmas tasting (recipe below), share memories, and discuss the of role nostalgia at Christmastime. There's a term we just discovered, “imagined future nostalgia,” wanting to make memories now that will hold meaning in the future, which can place additional pressure on preparations for Christmas. We hope that you are able, in spite of the uncertainties or pressures you may be experiencing, to know and experience that Christmas can be informed by the future, which is good, rather than a longing or recreation of the past. Merry Christmas from all of us at Rector's Cupboard!   Materials Referenced: Day 9: The Magic of Less ‘Holiday Magic' - New York Times, December 9, 2022 Masks, mops and ‘ugly sticks' – a look at Newfoundland's tradition of mummering – Macleans, December 12, 2022 Land of My Sojourn – Rich Mullins Gravy – Rhona McAdam in Larder   Tasting Notes: Our tasting for this episode was a Snowflake cocktail using gin and Figgy Puddin' liquor from Copperpenny Distilling Co. in North Vancouver. Snowflake Cocktail 1.5 Oz Gin 1 Oz Figgy Puddin' Liqour 3 Oz Eggnog Served over ice and topped with nutmeg or cinnamon

Story is the universal human language. We learn who we are and how to make sense of the world through story. It can also be a means through which we can engage with and encounter others. Story can communicate truth in a way that other forms of communication cannot.   In this episode, we spoke with fellow podcaster, Jonathan Wright, from the podcast Hello Unknown. Jonathan is a former tax lawyer but has left the practice of law to write and tell stories. Jonathan talked to us about how he came to podcasting and of the importance of story in his own life.   The first season Hello Unknown is out now and the second season is in the works. We would highly recommend checking it out. It's available anywhere you get your podcasts.

In so many ways, we often feel ground down, in the words of this episode's guest, “disintegrated.” Julian Davis Reid speaks to us about rest. This is more and better than simply disengagement or a break from the grind; rest is an essential part of what it means to be human, in the image of God.   Julian starts from a recognition of the profound restlessness that marks much of our lives and moves us towards the promise of the final and complete resting in God. Along the way, we talk about what theology and aesthetics, music and culture have to do with rest. We hold on to the promise that we might know rest, rest for our soul.   Julian's website has links to all his music, both his solo work and  work with the JuJu Exchange, his retreat work, as well as his newsletter where you can get more of his thoughts on rest. Articles referenced in this episode:  Do You Really Want a New Kitchen Counter - The Atlantic, November 18, 2022    A Parent's Typical Day, As Envisioned By My Child's Preschool - McSweeney's, November 10, 2022 

We conclude our 3 part Calgary road trip with a visit to Jerremie Clyde from Alberta Yak Co and Little Loaves Farm (check out their Instagram page for some amazing yak photos @littleloavesfarm).   Did you know that yaks purr? Or that they can survive at -64 degrees Celsius (for any American listeners that's -83 Fahrenheit)? We certainly didn't before visiting Jerremie. We got to take a tour of Jerremie's farm and he was gracious enough to provide with lunch as well (yak tacos). So much of how Jerremie understands his work is relational. He spoke to us about the abundance of relationships at play on the farm, between himself, his family, and the yaks, the relationships that exist in the herd itself, and the many, many relationships that are happening in the ecosystem all around them.   Jerremie refers to the yaks on his farm as his coworkers and understands the way they farm as being one part in a much larger ecosystem, one where they can be active participants both in seeking to bring depth and breadth of life to creation as well as taking so much joy and fulfillment from these relationships.   Thanks for joining us as we've learned a lot about cows and soil and yaks, and about how, even as non-farmers, we can support farmers and actively participate in creation care with them.

We continue our 3 part series of Rector's Cupboard on the Road. In July several of us from Rector's Cupboard headed to Alberta for a few days to speak with some farmers.   On this episode we spoke with Rod Olson. Rod works with several local organizations. He is a certified nutrition farmer with the organization Leaf and Lyre, planting and overseeing urban farms in people's backyards. He also is a founding member of YYC Growers, a collective of independent farmers. Rod also works with Land of Dreams, a community farm which provides newcomers to Canada with land and resources to grow things.   We met Rod at the Land of Dreams farm where he took us on a tour of the farm, taught us about the importance of soil health, and spoke about some ways we can participate in helping to heal the land.

Rector's Cupboard, on the road! We travelled to Calgary this summer and met some amazing farmers. In this episode we talk to Marcus and Sarah Reidner from Happiness By the Acre, a regenerative farm in Didsbury, Alberta. Marcus and Sarah have cows, chicken, pigs, and ducks but they say what they really grow is grass, because that's what the land wants to do.   Along with meeting some great animals, we also talked about climate change, the necessity of death, and why Marcus and Sarah have chosen to farm in about the most difficult way possible. Hopeful Christian theology will help us towards a healthy relationship with the land. Marcus and Sarah taught us a lot, even in this short visit.   We cannot say enough about the hospitality and generosity that we encountered in Calgary. Marcus and Sarah welcomed us to their farm, answered all of our questions, were generous with their time, and even shared some of their amazing chicken and duck eggs. If you are in the Calgary area we highly recommend looking them up.

Who are the people in your neighbourhood? For some this might be geographical, your literal neighbours, for others it might include the more expansive community in which you find care and support, or perhaps an online neighbourhood where you connect with others.   As we begin season 4, we take some time to consider those in our neighbourhood. For Rector's Cupboard, this includes people we have spoken to in previous episodes and season, guests we're anticipating, as well as you, our listeners. We feel blessed to have learned from and with those in our neighbourhood. As we look forward to future conversations, we're delighted to have our neighbourhood grow. Articles referenced in this episode: “A boy with cancer hoped to see monsters. Hundreds of strangers showed up in costume.” – The Washington Post, September 22, 2022

For the first episode of season 4, the Cupboard is pleased to welcome Nelson Boschman to speak with us about his book, The Growing Season, and to lead us in an informative wine tasting. A pastor, teacher, and musician, Nelson considers himself a wine enthusiast rather than an expert. He sees in the vineyard and wine-making the stuff of life and spirit.   We hear some of Nelson's story, about concepts of identity and challenge and change that are present in wine-making and in the spiritual life. We see, in Nelson's love of the vineyard and the process, that often the most enduring spiritual lessons come in paying close attention to the things that we love.   Tasting Notes: We learned a great deal from Nelson about the ways we can experience and enjoy wine. “80% of the wine experience is olfactory, it happens through the sense of smell. To look, swirl, sniff are the first three steps to taste.” The wines we tasted on today's episode are both available at BC Liquor Stores. The first was the 2018 Cairanne from Boutinot and the 2020 Gigondas from Dom Brusset, both from the Rhone region in France.

The Cupboard had intended to take a break over the summer to plan and prepare for season 4 in the fall, but some topics and stories are too timely to ignore. The recent decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade by the United States Supreme Court compelled us pause and discuss what it means to us. For this bonus summer episode, we're pleased to welcome Rev. Michael Coren, an Anglican priest, author and columnist for numerous publications.   Once a prominent voice for conservative media and a strong opponent of marriage equality, Michael now advocates for abortion rights, marriage equality and LGBTQIA+ rights.   As we discussed with Michael in this episode, his change in stance did not happen in spite of his faith but because of his faith. In his most recent books and our conversation with him, he describes his journey, thought processes and scriptural study that moved him to where he is today.   Article we discussed in this episode: "Does Christianity condemn abortion? That's not what the Bible says" - The Globe and Mail - June 29, 2022   Michael's most recent books: The Rebel Christ Epiphany: A Christians Change in Heart & Mind Over Same-Sex Marriage   Tasting Notes: We enjoyed some delicious blackcurrant cider from Naramata Cider Co. situated on the Naramata Bench in the Okanagan.

Two years ago Rector's Cupboard interviewed Katherine Stewart, an author and leading voice on the “Christian Nationalist” movement in the United States. At the time, we spoke about her book "The Power Worshippers".   This week, Stewart had an article in the New York Times that discussed the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. This week we're re-releasing that episode, as the conversation is as relevant now as it was then.   Christians should be speaking against Christian Nationalism. It is not speaking against Christianity. It is not speaking against Jesus. It is speaking against a political movement that has become idolatry.    Books and articles referenced in this episode: The Power Worshippers The Good News Club How a Data-backed Christian Nationalist Machine Helped Trump to Power - The Guardian, March 2020 Bill Barr Thinks America is Going to Hell - The New York Times, December 2019 Why Trump Reigns as King Cyrus - The New York Times, December 2018   

Our final episode of season 3 of Rector's Cupboard. We were honoured to speak with James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy at Calvin University and editor-in-chief of Image Journal. The conversation is centred largely around a fantastic book that Jamie has written and that will be available in September. Jamie's work demonstrates a hopeful view of faith. He skillfully and insightfully looks to the past for how it might positively shape and inform faith and life today. He does this with a strongly stated desire to move ahead. The conversation became one of great hope, that included inspiring reminders of the goodness, beauty and truth in our world. We talk about modernism and post-modernism. We talk about philosophy and power and control and fear. We talk about these things because they (and misunderstandings around them) have been influential in many churches and ways of seeing faith, perhaps even in how you were taught to understand Christian faith.   Some extended episode notes: The names Derrida, Foucault, Bentham, and Lyotard may not be familiar to all or most readers, but these are writers whose work has had impact on our culture and our faith. Michel Foucault was a French Philosopher whose work was key in what became known as “post-modernism”. We speak about Foucault's ideas around discipline and control. Foucault argued that power and punishment were once exercised in harsh and physical ways, but as these means of control became less physically forceful, they actually became more powerful and more pervasive in society. Jacques Derrida, another contributor to post-modernism, spoke about deconstruction. This term has largely been adopted to define what very many people with religious backgrounds are doing now. Smith says that both those who embrace “deconstruction” and those who warn against it often have a distorted view of what deconstruction is. For Derrida, virtually everything is interpreted. Whether it is a Biblical text or a summer sunrise, you as the reader or viewer are part of interpreting the meaning. Deconstruction aims to see these layers of interpretation. In this episode we also mention Alain de Botton. He is a contemporary philosopher who though he frequently mentions that he is an atheist, has some tremendously helpful and appreciative things to say about faith and the church. Finally we mention the new Arcade Fire album, “We”. Art such as the music on that album demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of some of these important religious, cultural and philosophical themes.